Tag Archives: joy

We have a wonderful window of opportunity to proceed toward Heaven on Earth. As the American Airline slogan says, “One World.” I wholeheartedly agree. Almighty God created each of us and all of us with a mind, body, and a “little piece of God.” God loves us with an enduring, steadfast love. I deeply believe that we are predetermined to achieve Heaven on Earth, but humankind must do its part. And in many, many ways, we are.

Somehow we need to concentrate on the positives in life and work to eliminate the negatives. It’s true that progress is easier said than done, but we must focus on motivating ourselves and others to make healthy, kind, and compassionate choices in life, which is our gift from God.

One world, one body of humanity, let us unite – not in terms of national borders – but in terms of a motivation toward Heaven on Earth. Think of it: imagine a world where we are kind to ourselves and each other. The joy would be present in everyone’s life. The positives of life would provide our planet joy, kindness, compassion, and love.

The future is all we have ahead of us. We must prepare for it in so many ways, from exercise and nutrition to the cultivation of our mind and spirit. Leaving one’s future to chance or the lack of prudence and ambition is pure folly.

While none of us “knows” the future, observation of others’ failures and successes can teach us so much. That’s one reason that on vacations I like to read biographies, since they help me to grow. What are we here for? A whole life of service, joy and use of our God-given talents for wonderful ends. And I think that finding love is our unending goal.

I am reading Dinesh D’Souza’s book, “America: Imagine a World without Her,” and finding it quite truthful, full of wisdom and insight.

America was founded on the idea that all men (and later women and people of all races) are created as equals, with certain inalienable rights; that among these is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe “joy” should replace “happiness” for purposes of modern thinking and the perception of what it means to be happy as opposed to joyful.

I believe that in terms of equality, we have moved a long way. In terms of happiness, I worry that too many people live a hedonic lifestyle—as I once did—rather than a joyful, fulfilling, prosperous, and loving life. Therefore, I believe we must pursue joy, which can come from helping others, gratifying work, and lasting, loving relationships.

Life at its fullest must encompass a pursuit of maximization of one’s potential. None of us can actually attain that lofty goal, but trying can bring satisfaction. Now joy in life needs love, too. We need to love others and receive love from others. Those who are most fortunate achieve lasting romantic love.